Labour Welsh Assembly member suspended by party found dead
2 min read
A Labour member of the Welsh Assembly who was facing a series of allegations about his personal behaviour has been found dead at his home.
Carl Sargeant was sacked as the Welsh Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children last week and suspended by his party.
North Wales Police said they were called to a property in the Connah Quay area at 11.30 this morning.
It is understood that Mr Sargeant's death is being treated as suicide.
Following a meeting with First Minister Carwyn Jones last week, the former released a statement saying that news of the allegations against him had been "shocking and distressing".
However he added that the nature of the accusations had not been made clear to him.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and his deputy Tom Watson both paid tribute to Mr Sargeant.
Mr Corbyn said: “This is terrible and deeply shocking news. My thoughts and profound sympathy are with Carl’s family, friends and colleagues."
Mr Watson said: "I campaigned with Carl for many years. He was a powerful voice for working people and Wales.
"He put community at the heart of his politics and was respected by his constituents for it. My love and prayers are with Carl’s family today. This is a tragedy beyond words."
Carwyn Jones said: “Carl was a friend as well as a colleague and I am shocked and deeply saddened by his death. He made a big contribution to Welsh public life and fought tirelessly for those he represented both as a Minister and as a local Assembly Member.
“He will be a great loss both to our party and to the Senedd. My heartfelt sympathies are with his family at this difficult time.”
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